Jul 22, 2021

Vale Dexter Kruger: Australia’s “Oldest Living Man” of all time dies aged 111

Dexter Kruger aged 111 dies

Australia’s oldest person has died aged 111. Former grazier and veterinary surgeon, Dexter Kruger, passed away peacefully in his sleep at an aged care home in Roma, Queensland after a brief illness.

Dexter officially became Australia’s oldest man on May 17, when he was aged 111 years and 124 days, overtaking World War I veteran Jack Lockett who died in 2002 aged 111 years and 123 days.

Born on January 13, 1910 to German immigrant parents, he spent most of his life on his 5,300-hectare cattle property, only leaving his primary place of residence in his mid-90s.

During his lifetime, he lived through two world wars, countless droughts and 30 prime ministers.

He was also a poet and author, writing 12 books, the most recent of which was an autobiography. 

He dabbled in social media, but had a problem signing up for Twitter when the system could not accept an applicant born in 1920.

Dexter said living a remote rural lifestyle and eating chicken brains helped him reach such an impressive age.

“People do eat too much,” he said. “They eat themselves into the grave.”

“Find something you like to do and do it well,” was his advice. “I set myself a goal when I was quite young and I achieved that.”

Dexter said becoming Australia’s oldest person was “a great honour”.

Ann Leahy MP, the member for Warrego in Queensland, sent her “deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Australian legend, Dexter Kruger.

“We will all miss his signature charm, dry wit and love of chocolate. 

“Dexter has left us with a wonderful legacy, of 12 books, over 300 stories and poems and an autobiography,” Leahy continued. 

“My kindest thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

“People are living longer and healthier: it’s good news”: Scott Morrison

The Treasurer Scott Morrison has encouraged Australians to remain “aspirational” as they grow older, but said the risks posed by an ageing population must be carefully managed. “Aspiration has no age limit,” Mr Morrison said at the Criterion Conference Aged Care Reform After the 2018 Federal Budget. Aspiration “doesn’t grind to a halt when we... Read More

New program unites young and old: “The power of connection can’t be underestimated”

Residents from an aged care facility in WA’s South West are participating in boisterous, vibrant and fun sessions as part of a new program based at a childcare centre.  Read More

Residents raise a toast over a Sunday roast

Queensland seniors gathered at homes, service clubs, community centres and in aged care dining rooms yesterday to share a roast and a chat in the hopes of beating loneliness. Read More
Advertisement